Rheum rhabarbarum aka Garden Rhubarb

Taxonomy

Rheum rhabarbarum, a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae, is native to southern Siberia and north and central China. It has been harvested for centuries for its root, which was used as popular medicine in Europe and Asia before being cultivated in England and Russia. The plant is commonly known as rhubarb, which is a general term for the cultivated plants in the genus Rheum. Rhubarb is a cool-season crop that is grown for its edible, fibrous leaf stalks, which are used to make pies, jams, jellies, and more. In addition to its culinary uses, rhubarb can also be a beautiful ornamental plant with its large, textured leaves and chunky stems. The plant is hardy and long-lived, with some varieties growing for 20 years or longer. Rhubarb has large, heart-shaped blades and small flowers in a dense, elongated, terminal cluster. The petioles are thick and reddish in color, and the plant grows from short, thick rhizomes. While some plants have been called "rhubarb" in English historically, Rheum rhabarbarum is considered to be one of the species involved in the development of culinary rhubarb, although the scientific name is sometimes used erroneously.

Common names

Garden Rhubarb, Pieplant, Rhubarb

How to care for Garden Rhubarb

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Garden Rhubarb, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Garden Rhubarb should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Garden Rhubarb thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Rhubarb.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Garden Rhubarb plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Garden Rhubarb is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.


More info:
Wikipedia